NCC dorm project passes first test

North Central College has cleared the first hurdle for a proposed new residence hall and recreational center.

The Naperville plan commission approved the college's proposal Wednesday after it was modified to address parking and traffic issues.

Some neighbors of the college near downtown Naperville still have qualms about the project.

"It went pretty well from the standpoint of we know there are still neighbors with concerns and we're willing to meet with them if they so desire," said Paul Loscheider, the college's vice president of business affairs.

The four-story "green" residence hall and rec center would be built on the west side of Loomis Street east of the Merner Fieldhouse between the parking deck and Porter Campus Access Road.

The residence hall initially would house about 265 students with room for almost 100 more in the next phase. It could open as early as next fall.

Neighbors have expressed concern about the size of the building and increased noise and activity on the site. Commissioners also had initial qualms about traffic and parking issues.

The college tweaked some of those areas before returning to the commission Wednesday.

"Based on staff recommendations we emphasized the parking monitoring and management agreement and programs that are going to be put in place that will help us and the neighbors and the city," Loscheider said.

Those programs include car- and bike-sharing initiatives to lessen traffic on campus. The new building also will not have its own parking lot. Instead, the campus wants to open a remote lot at Tellabs and provide shuttle service to campus.

The college has added several 15-minute parking spots just outside the building for pickup and drop-off. It also has a contingency plan to provide parking at the south end of the site in place of tennis courts if other initiatives aren't working out.

Plan commission member Patty Gustin was among those who initially had concerns about traffic but ultimately approved the revised plan.

"The project they've pulled together is a good project for the area," she said. "I also was in support of the geothermal design and equipment and structure in itself. The goal of the college I believe … is to go more toward eco-friendly design development and strategies when building their sites."

The college hopes to go before the city council in January or February and begin construction in the spring.